In the previous article, we explained how to clean a leather tote bag, mentioning storing it properly. Today, we’ll provide 6 essential tips on how to store tote bags so that your bag doesn’t become misshapen, wrinkled, or faded.
Unfortunately, many underestimate the importance of how to store tote bags properly. Not storing properly can damage the fabric because exposure to elements, and not stuffing the bag to keep its structure, can lead to mildew, wrinkles, fading of color, and damage to the fabric, especially if you’re storing multiple bags together. But by changing your storage habits, you can keep your tote bags in excellent condition for many years. Whether you’re working with a spacious wardrobe or wondering how to store tote bags in smaller spaces, there are solutions to help you organize your tote bags.
In this guide, we’re sharing 6 pro tips on how to store tote bags, and also discussing how to organize tote bags in different storage spaces.
6 Pro Tips on How to Store Tote Bags
1. Not All Totes Should Dangle
There are some tote bags you can hang to save space, but when it comes to heavy leather tote bags, like the Crossbody Leather Tote in Saddle Brown, the fabric can stretch or deform over time when suspended by their handles. Store heavy bags and leather totes on a flat surface or a shelf.
As for bags made from lighter fabric or nylon, you can hang them using padded hooks or rounded hangers.
2. Stuff Your Tote
To avoid your bag sagging, losing shape, or collapsing, stuff your tote before storing it to keep your bag’s silhouette and structure. Nonetheless, it’s best not to overstuff so the bag’s natural form doesn’t get distorted.
Stuff your bag properly using the following fillers:
- Acid-free tissue paper
- Bubble wrap
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Clean fabric made from cotton, linen, or silk (like soft white old t-shirts, or sweaters)
Bonus Tip: Don’t use newspaper or other ink paper because the ink can transfer and stain the interior of the bag.
3. Separate with Shelf Dividers or Open Bins
If you store your bags in a closet, using shelves is a great place to store your totes upright. Use acrylic shelf dividers or bins to stop your bags from slumping into one another. Also, label bins by role (e.g., “work,” “travel,” “hiking”) to have an organized tote bag system that protects your tote and saves you time.
4. Store in Dust Bags or Cotton Pillowcases
When storing a tote bag made from high-quality fabric (like leather), use cotton dust bags or pillowcases to let your bag breathe and to protect it from the dust and light. Never use plastic bags because plastic traps moisture, which can cause mildew or damage to the fabric.
Many top-quality totes, like HIDES’ Leather Tote Bag in Saddle Brown, come with custom dust bags. Keep them for future use!
5. Fold or Roll With Care
If you only have space in your drawer and want to know how to store tote bags in closet drawers, try folding or rolling them.
Tote bags made from lighter fabric (like canvas, nylon, cotton) are fine to fold, but you need to fold them correctly so your bags don’t have creases.
Folding Best Practices:
- Empty the bag: Shake out any debris and check all the pockets.
- Smooth the fabric flat: Lay your bag on a clean, flat surface to smooth out any wrinkles.
- Fold in the sides: Bring each side towards the center to create a rectangle.
- Fold from the bottom up: Fold the bottom of the bag up and line it with the top edge.
- Tuck or fold the handles: Fold the handles down or tuck them neatly into the bag to avoid creases.
Bonus Tip: If you’re storing for a long time, slide a piece of acid-free tissue paper between the folds to minimize creasing. Also, store them in a cool, dry area, away from direct sunlight.
When it comes to leather totes or totes made from stiffer fabrics, you shouldn’t fold them because it would ruin the fabric. As a rule of thumb, remember that if the bag doesn’t naturally collapse, don’t fold it.
It’s best not to fold the following bags:
- Leather totes
- Stiff-sided bags
- Designer totes with reinforced seams
Always store these bags upright, and stuff them to maintain their silhouette.
If your bags are made from soft fabrics, a gentler substitute would be to roll them. Rolling totes also work great when you don’t have space.
Rolling Best Practices:
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Lay on a flat surface: Smooth the fabric on a clean surface to remove wrinkles.
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Roll from the bottom up: Starting from the bottom, gently roll the bag upward until the top edge.
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Tuck the handles: Tuck the straps neatly inside.
Bonus Tip: When rolling tote bags, it’s best to store them vertically in a bin or a basket.
6. Rotate Seasonally
Bags can collect dust or attract mold (in humid spaces) from sitting too long. Make it a habit to rotate your bags every few months to clean, re-stuff, and inspect your tote bags for any issues.
When you rotate your collection, it protects your bags and helps you rediscover ones that you’ve forgotten. Rotating also helps you keep an organized tote bag wardrobe.
You can create a rotation schedule like this:
- Spring/Summer rotation: For totes made from lighter fabrics, and colors.
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Fall/Winter rotation: For totes made from heavy leather, heavier materials, and darker tones.
Bonus Tip: You can store off-season bags in the upper closet shelves or under-bed drawers with breathable covers. Maintaining an organized tote bag collection helps to keep your bags in good condition and makes it easier to find what you’re looking for.
How to Store Tote Bags in Different Storage Places
Not everyone has a large wardrobe or huge closet space to store their bags. Now that we’ve covered the 6 pro tips on how to store tote bags, let’s go over how you can store and organize your tote bags, whether you have a small space or a huge one.
Closet Shelves
Is ideal for leather and structured bags since closet shelves help to preserve the tote’s shape. Storing tote bags on closet shelves helps to keep them upright and separated when using shelf dividers.
Here’s how to store tote bags in closet shelves:
- Line the shelves with felt so your bags don’t get scraped.
- Store each tote bag in a separate dust bag.
- Don’t stack the bags on top of each other so your totes don’t bend or lose shape.
Racks and Hanging Shelf Organizers
If you’re low on space and don’t know how to store tote bags in small spaces, a good substitute is over-the-door racks and hanging shelf organizers. This option maximizes your space and makes you more organized, but the only drawback is that your bags are visible and are more susceptible to getting dusty and exposed to sunlight. If these are your only options, pick a spot that doesn’t get sunlight and pack each tote bag in a dust bag.
This option is ideal for totes made from light and foldable fabrics, like nylon or cotton, and for quickly grabbing a tote on your way out. You can also use it for leather totes or heavier bags, but only if you’re hanging those bags temporarily.
Under-Bed Drawers or Bins
This option is a lifesaver when you’re really short on space, but a major drawback is that this area (like the racks) can be prone to dust and humidity.
Here’s how to store tote bags safely in this area:
- Use breathable fabric bins to minimize humidity.
- Pack your totes in dust bags or pillowcases to protect them from dust.
- Stuff your totes and organize them upright.
- Drop a few silica gel packets to absorb moisture.
- Avoid storing the bags near heating elements.
Kitchen or Bedroom Drawers
Drawers are great for storing folded bags. You can store the totes that you use for running errands.
Here’s how to store tote bags in drawers:
- Line the drawers with soft fabric to avoid scraping
- Fold into a rectangular shape or roll the tote to minimize creasing.
You don’t have to worry about not having a huge closet because now you know how to store tote bags in different places. You can confidently keep your bags looking new.
A Quick Look at the Best Leather Tote Bags From HIDES
Now that you know everything there is to know about how to store tote bags properly, it’s worth highlighting a couple of eye-catching styles from HIDES.
Crossbody Leather Tote - Saddle Brown
The Crossbody Leather Tote in Saddle Brown is a perfect mix of classic elegance and modern pragmatism. The tote has an adjustable crossbody strap, which makes it great for going hands-free out and about while looking elegant.
Why we love it:
- Certified Full-Leather Grain that ages beautifully
- Soft but also structured so that it maintains its shape when stored away
- Compact but also roomy for carrying essentials
- Perfect for daily use and travel
Storage tip: Since the Crossbody Leather Tote is made from high-quality leather, don’t fold it, otherwise, it will have creases. Store it upright, on a flat surface (like a shelf) and in a breathable dust bag. Make sure you stuff the bag (with a soft fabric) before storing it away to keep the bag’s shape. Storing a HIDES leather bag is a classic example of how to store tote bags correctly.
Leather Tote Bag - Saddle Brown
The Leather Tote Bag in Saddle Brown is a classic design with a luxurious appeal. But don’t let the aesthetics make you think it’s not a practical bag. This tote is perfect for work and weekend getaways because it’s very roomy. You can work and travel in style while not sacrificing functionality.
Why we love it:
- Premium leather that develops a beautiful patina over time
- Simple and functional design with roomy interior
- Exterior pockets for staying organized
- Beautiful saddle brown colour that ages with grace
Storage tip: Since the Leather Tote Bag is larger and heavier, it shouldn’t be hung, otherwise, the fabric will get damaged. You can instead store it on a shelf and in a breathable dust bag. Stuff the bag with something soft (like air pillows) before storing it away to keep the bag’s shape. Storing a HIDES leather bag is a classic example of how to store tote bags correctly.
